The striker shares the same agent as Liverpool's Sterling, with the winger's representative currently causing friction at Anfield.

Aidy Ward reportedly told the London Evening Standard this week Sterling "would not sign a new contract for £900,000-a-week".

Liverpool then cancelled a planned Friday meeting although Ward has subsequently disputed the words attributed to him and is reportedly threatening to take legal action.

He has been criticised for his handling of Sterling, though, and Pulis has made Berahino aware of his feelings.

"We've had a little chat and I think Saido understands my feelings and what I think," he said.

"I don't care what comments he (Ward) makes.

"He's entitled to his opinions. It's a country where everybody can talk and say what they want.

"That's why it's a great country.

"People can stand up and say what they want, and he's done that. He's said his bit and said what he thinks.

"Do I agree with it? No, of course I don't, but that's what this country needs.

"You need to have the opportunity to speak your mind, and if you want to say things you say things. I don't think the kid should be involved in any of that because it's not good for the lad and I really do feel sympathy for the player."

Berahino has scored 20 goals this season ahead of Sunday's finale at Arsenal after a brace in Monday's 3-0 win over Chelsea.

Pulis has admitted the Baggies could sell Berahino in the summer should a top-four club make an acceptable offer but the boss believes he should stay.

"We don't want him to go and he knows that," said Pulis, who has a fully fit squad ahead of Sunday. "We're very keen that he stays and I think, having spoken to the kid, that he needs to be here to have at least another year when he is playing week in, week out.

"That will improve him.

"He could go to a top-four club and only play half a dozen games. We have seen before when young players have gone to top-four clubs and not broken in and almost dropped away.

"He's got to take that into consideration. It's not all about money, it's about his career.

"He's a young kid but we're not going to stop him if we get the right offer. It's the law of the land."